Re: Annoying Flash & Design
We did some research before we designed our new website
and research demonstrated that most of the large
corporations don't use flash on their websites.
microsoft.com
novell.com
sony.com
panasonic.com
ibm.com
oracle.com and many others.
I thought about it and asked my self "Why?"
Not because they can't afford it and not because they don't
have somebody who can make fancy presentations...
The answer is simple. Such world known corporations spend
millions of dollars on usability testing. The result: Most
users oppose flash as an element of design. It make your
eyes tired, it slows your browser, it's looping and
spinning like crazy over and over. Users view hundreds of
websites daily and they want plain and simple content. Of
course there should be elements of design but most users
prefer "static" design.
But here is a twist: Users love to see product demos in
flash. It allows interactivity to demo product functionality
and voice. Users can choose to look at your demo or skip it
or even request a text only version of your site if they
wish to. Sometimes users are not in control and are forced to
see your "creative work" over and over. One day they will
simply visit your competition.
Webmasters should always remember:
1.. your website is not for you.
2.. your website is for your customers.
3.. your site must be FAST
4.. your site should be useful
5.. your site should be interesting
I know that most of the time what we personally prefer in
design will frustrate our visitors and will turn on you
by loosing valuable traffic. Why don't you make a poll on
your site and ask your visitors if they like to see flash
on your front page?
Received on Mon Apr 01 2002 - 18:05:42 CST
